Majorca anti-tourist protests spark revolt as Britons warn: 'Be careful what you wish for'
Anti-tourist protesters in Majorca have been warned that they 'should be careful what they wish for'
Reuters
Anti-tourist protesters in Majorca have been warned that they "should be careful what they wish for" as demonstrations could be a "disaster" for their economy, industry experts claim.
Around 44 per cent of people will now think twice before booking a holiday to the island, a new poll by Majorca Daily Bulletin revealed.
Businesses in Majorca are reportedly feeling anxiety about whether enough tourists will visit this summer.
One British holidaymaker said she felt "intimidated" as protesters told tourists to "go home" in Palma last week.
One British holidaymaker said she felt "intimidated" as protesters told tourists to "go home" in Palma last week
Reuters
"If this survey is accurate, local protestors should be careful what they wish for," Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency told the MailOnline.
"The Majorcan (and other local islands) economy relies heavily on tourism to create jobs and bring money into the region.
"It would be a disaster for the area if the protests, however valid, cut off the flow of visitors and reduce income.
"The solution is to work with local authorities on spreading the number of visitors into the shoulder seasons, so there is a flow of tourists throughout the year rather than be concentrated over the summer."
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In recent weeks, protests about tourism have been carried out across Spain.
A recent disruption in Majorca saw around 10,000 protesters work their way through Palma.
Rob Burley, a travel tour operator expert and the founder of GP Traveller said: "The recent protests about housing and overtourism are definitely making some visitors hesitate about coming to Majorca this summer.
"According to the survey, nearly half of holidaymakers are rethinking their trip because of the demonstrations. As someone in the tourism industry, that's a real concern.
Majorca held more protests last week against tourism on the island
PA"Majorca relies heavily on visitors, so if fewer people come it will really hurt hotels, restaurants and shops. I can see why locals are frustrated with issues like high rents and crowded beaches.
"At the same time, tourism employs nearly half the people on the island. There needs to be a better balance that supports residents and visitors."
According to airport transfer experts Hoppa, while Majorca searches are down by 15 per cent year on year, destinations such as Turkey and Greece have seen searches up by 45 per cent and 35 per cent.